US20190381651A1 - Telescoping eating utensil - Google Patents
Telescoping eating utensil Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190381651A1 US20190381651A1 US16/439,425 US201916439425A US2019381651A1 US 20190381651 A1 US20190381651 A1 US 20190381651A1 US 201916439425 A US201916439425 A US 201916439425A US 2019381651 A1 US2019381651 A1 US 2019381651A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- utensil
- handle
- tool
- locking button
- telescoping
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 102000004315 Forkhead Transcription Factors Human genes 0.000 claims 6
- 108090000852 Forkhead Transcription Factors Proteins 0.000 claims 6
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 13
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000000626 Daucus carota Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002767 Daucus carota Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003670 easy-to-clean Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000014347 soups Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
- B25G1/04—Handle constructions telescopic; extensible; sectional
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/02—Forks; Forks with ejectors; Combined forks and spoons; Salad servers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/04—Spoons; Pastry servers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G2021/002—Table-ware collapsible
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to eating utensils. More particularly, the invention relates to telescoping eating utensils that may be suitable for transport.
- Eating utensils are used by people all over the world to bring food to their mouths.
- eating utensils such as knives
- eating utensils are used to cut food to a size and shape suitable for placing in a person's mouth.
- chopsticks are typically the only eating utensils used although spoons are also used for soups in Asia.
- forks, knives, and spoons are typically used as eating utensils.
- hands are often used in place of utensils.
- a telescoping eating utensil includes a utensil tool and a handle.
- the utensil tool includes a utensil head attached to a tool connector, wherein a locking button is on a top surface of the tool connector, and the handle is configured to slidably engage and interlock with the tool connector.
- the handle and the tool connector are interlocked either in a collapsed mode or in an extended mode, and the locking button engages with an opening on the handle in the extended mode and the locking button engages with a recess in a bottom surface of the handle in the collapsed mode.
- an expandable eating utensil in accordance with another embodiment, includes a tool portion, a handle portion, and a locking feature.
- the tool portion includes a utensil head and the handle portion is configured to slidably engage with the tool portion.
- the locking feature is configured for interlocking the handle portion with the tool portion such the tool portion can be locked in place relative to the handle portion.
- a telescoping eating utensil in accordance with yet another embodiment, includes a utensil tool portion and a handle portion configured to slidably engage with the utensil tool portion.
- the utensil tool portion includes a utensil head attached to a tool connector having an actuatable locking button on a top surface of the tool connector.
- the handle portion interlocks with the tool connector in either a collapsed mode or an extended mode when the locking button is in a relaxed state.
- FIG. 1A is a top perspective of a telescoping spoon in its collapsed mode in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the telescoping spoon shown in FIG. 1A in its extended mode.
- FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a telescoping fork in its collapsed mode in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the telescoping fork shown in FIG. 2A in its extended mode.
- FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the telescoping spoon in its extended mode shown in FIG. 1B .
- FIG. 3B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B and 3A .
- FIG. 3C is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B, 3A, and 3B .
- FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the telescoping fork in its extended mode shown in FIG. 2B .
- FIG. 4B is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B and 4A .
- FIG. 4C is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B, 4A, and 4B .
- FIGS. 5A-5E show various views of an embodiment of a spoon tool in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 6A-6E show various views of an embodiment of a fork tool in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 7A-7E show various views of an embodiment of a handle in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 8A-8D show various cross-sectional view of an embodiment.
- the present invention relates generally to combination eating utensils.
- telescoping eating utensils in accordance with one embodiment of the invention will be described.
- Embodiments of a telescoping spoon 100 and a telescoping fork 200 are described herein.
- the telescoping spoon 100 and fork 200 can be used in an extended mode for eating and then collapsed for convenient storage and transport.
- the handle of the utensil can be extended and locked in place, as described in more detail below.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are top perspective views of the telescoping spoon 100 in its collapsed mode and in its extended mode, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are top perspective views of the telescoping fork 200 in its collapsed mode and in its extended mode, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment.
- a telescoping spoon 100 can be moved between a collapsed mode and an extended mode.
- FIG. 1A shows the telescoping spoon 100 in a collapsed mode, which is convenient for storage and transport.
- the spoon 100 can also be extended, as shown in FIG. 1B , such that it has a longer length for ease and comfort when used as an eating utensil.
- a telescoping fork 200 can be moved between a collapsed mode and an extended mode.
- FIG. 2A shows the telescoping fork 200 in a collapsed mode, which is convenient for storage and transport.
- the fork 200 can also be extended, as shown in FIG. 2B , such that it can be used as an eating utensil with comfort and ease.
- the utensil has a length of about 4.4 inches in the collapsed mode and about 6.3 inches in the extended mode.
- FIGS. 3A-3C show a bottom plan view, a side view, and an end view of the spoon 100 .
- the spoon 100 includes two separate parts that can be slidably connected: the spoon tool 110 and the handle 150 .
- the spoon tool 110 includes a bowl 112 and a tool connector 114 .
- FIGS. 4A-4C show a bottom plan view, a side view, and an end view of the fork 200 .
- the fork 200 includes two separate parts: the fork tool 210 and the handle 150 .
- the fork tool 210 includes tines 212 , 213 and a tool connector 214 .
- FIGS. 5A-5E show different views of an embodiment of the spoon tool 110 .
- FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the spoon tool 110 taken along line 5 B- 5 B of FIG. 5C .
- FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the spoon tool taken along line 5 E- 5 E of FIG. 5D .
- the spoon tool 110 includes a tool connector 114 attached to a proximal end of the spoon bowl 112 .
- An elongated tail 116 on the upper surface of the tool connector 114 can be slid in a socket 158 between a pair of rails 152 on the underside of the handle 150 to form a dovetail joint between the tool connector 114 and the handle 150 .
- the spoon tool connector 114 and the handle 150 slide together to form the telescoping spoon 100 , as described in more detail below.
- the dovetail joint is moldable and permits translation of the parts, but resists other forces (e.g. pressing on the side of the fork to split a piece of food—a lateral side force, or scooping ice cream—a “frontal” bending force).
- FIGS. 6A-6E show various views of an embodiment of a fork tool 210
- a tool connector 214 is attached to the proximal end of the fork tool head 211 , which includes tines 212 , 213 .
- FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the spoon tool 110 taken along line 6 B- 6 B of FIG. 6C .
- FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of the spoon tool taken along line 6 E- 6 E of FIG. 6D .
- An elongated tail 116 on the upper surface of the tool connector 214 can be slid in a socket 158 between a pair of rails 152 on the underside of the handle 150 to form a dovetail joint between the tool connector 214 and the handle 150 .
- the fork tool connector 214 and the handle 150 slide together to form the telescoping fork 200 , as described in more detail below.
- the dovetail joint is moldable and permits translation of the parts, but resists other forces (e.g. pressing on the side of the fork to split a piece of food—a lateral side force, or scooping ice cream—a “frontal” bending force).
- FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the tool connector 114 taken along the line 5 E- 5 E of FIG. 5D .
- the elongated tail 116 is on the upper surface of the tool connector 114
- the locking button 118 is also on the upper surface of the tool connector 114 .
- There is a void below the locking button 118 as shown in FIG. 5E , to allow the locking button 118 to be actuated or depressed by a user such that it can be slid under the handle 150 .
- the locking button 118 is in a relaxed state, as shown in FIG. 5E (i.e., not actuated or pushed down).
- the locking button 118 has a “dive-board” configuration, which is described in more detail below.
- the locking button 118 extends into an opening 151 on the handle 150 , as shown in FIG. 1B .
- the opening 151 on the handle 150 is positioned as close as possible to the proximal end of the handle in order to provide the longest length possible for the spoon 100 in the extended mode while still being firm and rigid in the extended mode.
- the locking button 118 is preferably positioned well away from the spoon bowl 112 so that it is less likely for food to get into the mechanism.
- the handle 150 of the spoon 100 and fork 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A-7E , which represent various views of the handle 150 .
- the handle 150 of the spoon 100 is the same as the handle 150 of the fork 200 .
- the handle 150 has a pair of rails 152 on the bottom side of its two outer edges, forming an elongated socket 158 between the rails 152 .
- the rails 152 aid in guiding the handle 150 over the spoon tool connector 114 or the fork tool connector 214 when the tail 116 , 216 of the spoon tool connector 114 or fork tool connector 214 is slid along the socket 158 between the rails 152 .
- the tail 116 , 216 of the tool connector 114 , 214 can be slid between the rails 152 to place the spoon 100 or fork 200 in either the collapsed mode (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A ) or in the extended mode (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B ), as will be described in more detail below.
- the rails 152 also secure the spoon tool connector 114 or fork tool connector 214 to the handle 150 , as will be explained in more detail below.
- each rail 152 is aligned and continuous with the outer edge of the rest of the handle 150 . Further, the rails 152 taper inward so that the portion of the handle 150 with the rails 152 does not feel different from the rest of handle 150 when the utensil 100 , 200 is held in a user's hand.
- the bottom of the handle 150 also includes a recess 154 that accommodates the locking button 118 , 218 of the tool connector 114 , 214 when the spoon 100 or fork 200 is in the fully collapsed mode.
- the recess 154 allows the locking button 118 , 218 to extend into the recess 154 to be in its relaxed state.
- the locking button 118 , 218 and recess 154 also serve to snap and lock the tool connector 114 , 214 in place relative to the handle 150 when the spoon 100 or fork 200 is in the fully collapsed mode.
- the recess 154 in the handle 150 provides a subtle detent feel as the locking button 118 , 218 comes to relax into this recess 154 when in the collapsed mode.
- the locking button 118 , 218 sits in a well or depression 155 around the opening 151 in the handle 150 .
- This well 155 allows the locking button 118 , 218 to be locally “proud” such that it can be actuated with a finger or something similarly sized, but if a larger surface (sized larger than an average finger) is applied across the area of the well 155 , the top surfaces of the handle 150 itself would prevent the locking button 118 , 218 from being actuated.
- the well 155 helps to prevent accidental actuation of the locking button 118 , 218 .
- FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the handle 150 taken along the line 7 D- 7 D in FIG. 7B .
- the handle 150 has a slight upside down V-shape with a ridge 156 in the center when viewed from an end.
- the center ridge 156 is the highest point of the handle 150 and runs down the center along substantially the entire length of the handle 150 .
- Each side of the handle 150 angles downward from the center line to the edge at an angle about 75-80 degrees, and preferably about 79 degrees.
- FIG. 7E is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle taken along the line 7 E- 7 E of FIG. 7B .
- the fork 200 has four tines 212 , 213 .
- Each tine 212 , 213 has a sharp crest, which aids in spearing or piercing pieces of food so that the food can be picked up by the fork 200 .
- the fork can have more or fewer tines.
- Each tine 212 , 213 has a pointed tip, which aids in spearing or piercing pieces of food so that the food can be picked up by the fork.
- the two center tines 213 are straight and the two outer tines 212 each have a straight inner edge and a curved outer edge. The curvature of the outer edges can also be used for scraping food, as the curved edges follow the curvature of a curved container, such as a bowl, better than the straight tines of many conventional forks.
- the outer edges of the outer tines 212 are also tapered or chamfered such that the fork can be used to cut through or separate foods that do not require a knife.
- the top surface of each of the outer edges of the outer tines 212 is tapered or chamfered.
- the outer edges are chamfered at an angle of about 20-25 degrees, and preferably at an angle of about 23 degrees.
- the outer edges 145 have an edge width of about 1 mm at its widest point.
- the outer edges of both outer tines 212 are chamfered so that both outer edges can easily be used to cut or separate food regardless of whether the user is right-handed or left-handed.
- the spoon bowl 112 has a substantially flat side edge 115 , which allows for “scraping” food from of a container (e.g., a yogurt container) or a bowl.
- a conventional spoon typically has a rounded edge that is not particularly effective for scraping.
- the side edge 115 of the bowl 112 of the spoon 100 is substantially flat, thus providing an effective surface for scraping.
- the bowl 112 has a substantially elongated five-sided shape with rounded corners.
- the telescoping spoon 100 and fork 200 are formed of a plastic material, such as a glass reinforced thermoplastic, that is suitable for food contact and is injection moldable.
- a particularly suitable reinforced thermoplastic for forming the spoon 100 and fork 200 is glass filled nylon.
- the telescoping spoon 100 and fork 200 can be formed of a variety of food-safe plastics and potentially even metal.
- some suitable plastic materials include nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and co-polyester. Compared with unreinforced nylon, glass filled nylon has increased structural strength and stiffness. Suitable materials include those that exhibit high stiffness (so the utensils do not flex very much when being used, i.e. are not “flimsy”), but that can also afford some flex (for the locking button 118 , 218 to be depressed).
- the tool connector 114 , 214 is first positioned underneath the handle 150 and slid laterally along the socket 158 , with the outer side edges of the tail 116 between the rails 152 , toward the distal end of the handle 150 until the locking button 118 , 218 engages and extends into the opening 151 and returns to its relaxed state in the opening 151 .
- the open end 153 of the handle 150 (as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8D ) can be designed with a rounded or curved end such that the tool connector 114 , 214 can simply be inserted into the open end 153 of the handle 150 and the rounded or curved end 153 automatically pushes down or actuates the locking button 118 , 218 without any need for a user to actuate the locking button 118 , 218 .
- the position of the recess 154 in the bottom surface of the handle 150 near the distal end of the handle 150 allows the handle 150 to extend over a portion of the tool in the collapsed mode, thereby allowing for a shorter overall length of the spoon 100 or fork 200 in the collapsed mode. It will be understood that the shorter length allows for more convenient storage and transport. As shown in FIG. 8C , the proximal end of the handle 150 (including the opening 151 ) extends over a portion of the utensil head.
- the spoon tool 110 or fork tool 210 When the locking button 118 , 218 engages the opening 151 , the spoon tool 110 or fork tool 210 is interlocked with the handle 150 in the extended mode and fairly significant force is required to disengage the spoon tool 110 or fork tool 210 from the handle 150 from this position.
- the locking button 118 , 218 extends from the top surface of the tool connector 114 , 214 at an angle of 90° or less, preferably in a range of about 60°-90°.
- the back (facing the proximal end of the tool 110 , 210 ) of the locking button 118 , 218 extends from the top surface of the tool connector 114 , 214 at an angle of about 80° such that the locking button 118 , 218 can be actuated and return to its relaxed stated in the opening 151 or the recess 154 of the handle 150 .
- the less than 90° angle on the back of the locking button 118 , 218 prevents the tool 110 , 210 from accidentally/unintentionally collapsing when the utensil head is pressed hard into something (e.g., pressing tines of a form into a raw carrot).
- the 80° angle allows the locking button 118 , 218 to more securely engage the edge of the opening 151 to prevent accidental disengagement from the extended mode. It will be understood that the smaller the angle between the side of the locking button 118 , 218 and the top surface of the tool connector 114 , 214 , greater the force necessary to disengage the locking button 118 , 218 from the opening 151 .
- FIGS. 8A-8D Various longitudinal cross-sectional views of a spoon 100 , as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D , help illustrate how the angle of the back of the locking button 118 prevents accidental actuation.
- the angle on the locking button 118 , 218 helps to ensure that the locking button 118 , 218 stays in place and is not actuated by the longitudinal compressive force (e.g., of stabbing action of fork).
- the dovetail does absorbs side-to-side forces (e.g. pressing on the handle to split a piece of food) and bending forces (e.g. digging out some hard ice cream with the spoon).
- FIG. 8A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a spoon 100 in the extended mode.
- the locking button 118 is in a relaxed state within the opening 151 of the handle 150 .
- the opening 151 is surrounded by a well 155 .
- the top surface of the locking button 118 is below the top surface of the handle 150 to prevent accidental actuation of the locking button 118 .
- the mating face 157 on the handle 150 (that mates to the 80° button face) is angled as well to further hold the locking button 118 in place.
- the angle of the mating face is preferably at least 60° and less than 90°.
- the mating face 157 and locking button 118 are shown in more detail in FIG. 8B .
- the “dive board” of the locking button 118 is positioned longitudinally on the tool connector 114 .
- the locking button can be connected on a side, so instead of pressing down on the button, the button would be pushed laterally to a side to actuate it.
- the longitudinal positioning allows the material geometry to absorb all of the load.
- the illustrated locking button dive board naturally resists longitudinal forces, but is easily depressed for unlocking.
- the opening 151 and recess 154 together with the locking button act as a hard stop, preventing the spoon tool 110 from being slid further.
- the recess 154 prevents the spoon tool 110 from moving from the collapsed mode and the opening 151 prevents the spoon tool 110 from moving back in the opposite direction to disengage from the handle 150 .
- the rails 152 and tail 116 and the dovetail joint formed thereby prevent the handle 150 and spoon tool 110 from being separated in the z-direction.
- the dovetail design is preferable relatively “open” so that it is easy to clean.
- the user pushes down on the locking button 118 , 218 and either slides the spoon bowl 112 toward the distal end of the handle 150 to collapse the spoon 100 or slides the spoon tool 110 away from the handle 150 to disengage the spoon tool 110 from the handle 150 .
- the spoon tool 110 and the handle 150 can be separated when the user pushes down on the locking button 118 and simply slides the spoon tool 110 and the handle 150 away from one another in the lateral direction. If desired, the user can thoroughly clean the spoon tool 110 and the handle 150 when separated.
- FIG. 8C shows the spoon 100 in the fully collapsed mode.
- the spoon tool connector 114 With enough force applied to the locking button 118 , the spoon tool connector 114 will move under the handle 150 and the elongated tail 116 can slide along the socket 158 between the rails 152 until the locking button 118 is once again in its relaxed state, either engaging the recess 154 in the fully collapsed mode or engaging the opening 151 in the fully extended mode.
- the spoon tool 110 and the handle 150 are positioned to slidably engage one another, as shown in the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG.
- the curved or rounded end open end 153 of the handle allows the user to simply insert the spoon tool 110 into the open end 153 of the handle 150 and the rounded or curved end 153 automatically actuates the locking button 118 , 218 without any need for a user to apply force directly to the locking button 118 , 218 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/685,672, filed on Jun. 15, 2018. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
- The present invention relates generally to eating utensils. More particularly, the invention relates to telescoping eating utensils that may be suitable for transport.
- Eating utensils are used by people all over the world to bring food to their mouths. Sometimes, eating utensils, such as knives, are used to cut food to a size and shape suitable for placing in a person's mouth. In some Asian countries, chopsticks are typically the only eating utensils used although spoons are also used for soups in Asia. In Western countries, forks, knives, and spoons are typically used as eating utensils. In still other countries, such as India and Ethiopia, hands are often used in place of utensils.
- Although these existing utensils work quite well, there are continuing efforts to develop new utensils that provide not only improved function and convenience but are also suitable for transport. Such utensils also take up less space and are therefore more easily stored.
- In accordance with an embodiment, a telescoping eating utensil is provided. The telescoping eating utensil includes a utensil tool and a handle. The utensil tool includes a utensil head attached to a tool connector, wherein a locking button is on a top surface of the tool connector, and the handle is configured to slidably engage and interlock with the tool connector. The handle and the tool connector are interlocked either in a collapsed mode or in an extended mode, and the locking button engages with an opening on the handle in the extended mode and the locking button engages with a recess in a bottom surface of the handle in the collapsed mode.
- In accordance with another embodiment, an expandable eating utensil is provided. The expandable eating utensil includes a tool portion, a handle portion, and a locking feature. The tool portion includes a utensil head and the handle portion is configured to slidably engage with the tool portion. The locking feature is configured for interlocking the handle portion with the tool portion such the tool portion can be locked in place relative to the handle portion.
- In accordance with yet another embodiment a telescoping eating utensil is provided. The telescoping eating utensil includes a utensil tool portion and a handle portion configured to slidably engage with the utensil tool portion. The utensil tool portion includes a utensil head attached to a tool connector having an actuatable locking button on a top surface of the tool connector. The handle portion interlocks with the tool connector in either a collapsed mode or an extended mode when the locking button is in a relaxed state.
- The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1A is a top perspective of a telescoping spoon in its collapsed mode in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the telescoping spoon shown inFIG. 1A in its extended mode. -
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a telescoping fork in its collapsed mode in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the telescoping fork shown inFIG. 2A in its extended mode. -
FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the telescoping spoon in its extended mode shown inFIG. 1B . -
FIG. 3B is a side view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1B and 3A . -
FIG. 3C is an end view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1B, 3A, and 3B . -
FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the telescoping fork in its extended mode shown inFIG. 2B . -
FIG. 4B is a side view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2B and 4A . -
FIG. 4C is an end view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2B, 4A, and 4B . -
FIGS. 5A-5E show various views of an embodiment of a spoon tool in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 6A-6E show various views of an embodiment of a fork tool in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 7A-7E show various views of an embodiment of a handle in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 8A-8D show various cross-sectional view of an embodiment. - The present invention relates generally to combination eating utensils.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1A-8D , telescoping eating utensils in accordance with one embodiment of the invention will be described. Embodiments of atelescoping spoon 100 and atelescoping fork 200 are described herein. Thetelescoping spoon 100 and fork 200 can be used in an extended mode for eating and then collapsed for convenient storage and transport. To form a longer, extended utensil, the handle of the utensil can be extended and locked in place, as described in more detail below. -
FIGS. 1A and 1B are top perspective views of thetelescoping spoon 100 in its collapsed mode and in its extended mode, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment.FIGS. 2A and 2B are top perspective views of thetelescoping fork 200 in its collapsed mode and in its extended mode, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment. - As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , atelescoping spoon 100 can be moved between a collapsed mode and an extended mode.FIG. 1A shows thetelescoping spoon 100 in a collapsed mode, which is convenient for storage and transport. Thespoon 100 can also be extended, as shown inFIG. 1B , such that it has a longer length for ease and comfort when used as an eating utensil. - Similarly, as shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , atelescoping fork 200 can be moved between a collapsed mode and an extended mode.FIG. 2A shows thetelescoping fork 200 in a collapsed mode, which is convenient for storage and transport. Thefork 200 can also be extended, as shown inFIG. 2B , such that it can be used as an eating utensil with comfort and ease. According to an embodiment, the utensil has a length of about 4.4 inches in the collapsed mode and about 6.3 inches in the extended mode. -
FIGS. 3A-3C show a bottom plan view, a side view, and an end view of thespoon 100. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , thespoon 100 includes two separate parts that can be slidably connected: thespoon tool 110 and thehandle 150. Thespoon tool 110 includes abowl 112 and atool connector 114. -
FIGS. 4A-4C show a bottom plan view, a side view, and an end view of thefork 200. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , thefork 200 includes two separate parts: thefork tool 210 and thehandle 150. Thefork tool 210 includestines tool connector 214. -
FIGS. 5A-5E show different views of an embodiment of thespoon tool 110.FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of thespoon tool 110 taken alongline 5B-5B ofFIG. 5C .FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the spoon tool taken alongline 5E-5E ofFIG. 5D . Thespoon tool 110 includes atool connector 114 attached to a proximal end of thespoon bowl 112. Anelongated tail 116 on the upper surface of thetool connector 114 can be slid in asocket 158 between a pair ofrails 152 on the underside of thehandle 150 to form a dovetail joint between thetool connector 114 and thehandle 150. Thespoon tool connector 114 and thehandle 150 slide together to form thetelescoping spoon 100, as described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the dovetail joint is moldable and permits translation of the parts, but resists other forces (e.g. pressing on the side of the fork to split a piece of food—a lateral side force, or scooping ice cream—a “frontal” bending force). - Similarly, the
fork tool connector 214 and thehandle 150 slide together to form thetelescoping fork 200. As shown inFIGS. 6A-6E , which show various views of an embodiment of afork tool 210, atool connector 214 is attached to the proximal end of thefork tool head 211, which includestines FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of thespoon tool 110 taken alongline 6B-6B ofFIG. 6C .FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of the spoon tool taken alongline 6E-6E ofFIG. 6D . Anelongated tail 116 on the upper surface of thetool connector 214 can be slid in asocket 158 between a pair ofrails 152 on the underside of thehandle 150 to form a dovetail joint between thetool connector 214 and thehandle 150. Thefork tool connector 214 and thehandle 150 slide together to form thetelescoping fork 200, as described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the dovetail joint is moldable and permits translation of the parts, but resists other forces (e.g. pressing on the side of the fork to split a piece of food—a lateral side force, or scooping ice cream—a “frontal” bending force). -
FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of thetool connector 114 taken along theline 5E-5E ofFIG. 5D . As shown inFIG. 5E , theelongated tail 116 is on the upper surface of thetool connector 114, and thelocking button 118 is also on the upper surface of thetool connector 114. There is a void below thelocking button 118, as shown inFIG. 5E , to allow thelocking button 118 to be actuated or depressed by a user such that it can be slid under thehandle 150. It will be noted that, without any force applied, thelocking button 118 is in a relaxed state, as shown inFIG. 5E (i.e., not actuated or pushed down). In the illustrated embodiments, thelocking button 118 has a “dive-board” configuration, which is described in more detail below. - In the extended mode, the
locking button 118 extends into anopening 151 on thehandle 150, as shown inFIG. 1B . In the illustrated embodiment, theopening 151 on thehandle 150 is positioned as close as possible to the proximal end of the handle in order to provide the longest length possible for thespoon 100 in the extended mode while still being firm and rigid in the extended mode. Thelocking button 118 is preferably positioned well away from thespoon bowl 112 so that it is less likely for food to get into the mechanism. - The
handle 150 of thespoon 100 andfork 200 will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A-7E , which represent various views of thehandle 150. Thehandle 150 of thespoon 100 is the same as thehandle 150 of thefork 200. Thehandle 150 has a pair ofrails 152 on the bottom side of its two outer edges, forming anelongated socket 158 between therails 152. Therails 152 aid in guiding thehandle 150 over thespoon tool connector 114 or thefork tool connector 214 when thetail spoon tool connector 114 orfork tool connector 214 is slid along thesocket 158 between therails 152. Thetail tool connector rails 152 to place thespoon 100 orfork 200 in either the collapsed mode (as shown inFIGS. 1A and 2A ) or in the extended mode (as shown inFIGS. 1B and 2B ), as will be described in more detail below. Therails 152 also secure thespoon tool connector 114 orfork tool connector 214 to thehandle 150, as will be explained in more detail below. - The outer edge of each
rail 152 is aligned and continuous with the outer edge of the rest of thehandle 150. Further, therails 152 taper inward so that the portion of thehandle 150 with therails 152 does not feel different from the rest ofhandle 150 when theutensil - As shown in
FIG. 7C , the bottom of thehandle 150 also includes arecess 154 that accommodates thelocking button tool connector spoon 100 orfork 200 is in the fully collapsed mode. When thetelescoping spoon 100 ortelescoping fork 200 is in its fully collapsed mode, therecess 154 allows thelocking button recess 154 to be in its relaxed state. Thelocking button recess 154 also serve to snap and lock thetool connector handle 150 when thespoon 100 orfork 200 is in the fully collapsed mode. According to an embodiment, therecess 154 in thehandle 150 provides a subtle detent feel as thelocking button recess 154 when in the collapsed mode. - As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in extended mode, the
locking button depression 155 around theopening 151 in thehandle 150. This well 155 allows thelocking button handle 150 itself would prevent thelocking button locking button -
FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of thehandle 150 taken along theline 7D-7D inFIG. 7B . As shown inFIG. 7D , thehandle 150 has a slight upside down V-shape with aridge 156 in the center when viewed from an end. Thecenter ridge 156 is the highest point of thehandle 150 and runs down the center along substantially the entire length of thehandle 150. Each side of thehandle 150 angles downward from the center line to the edge at an angle about 75-80 degrees, and preferably about 79 degrees.FIG. 7E is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle taken along theline 7E-7E ofFIG. 7B . - The geometries of the
spoon 100 and thefork 200 will be described below. In the illustrated embodiment, thefork 200 has fourtines tine fork 200. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the fork can have more or fewer tines. Eachtine center tines 213 are straight and the twoouter tines 212 each have a straight inner edge and a curved outer edge. The curvature of the outer edges can also be used for scraping food, as the curved edges follow the curvature of a curved container, such as a bowl, better than the straight tines of many conventional forks. - In addition to being curved, the outer edges of the
outer tines 212 are also tapered or chamfered such that the fork can be used to cut through or separate foods that do not require a knife. As illustrated inFIG. 4C , the top surface of each of the outer edges of theouter tines 212 is tapered or chamfered. In a particular embodiment, the outer edges are chamfered at an angle of about 20-25 degrees, and preferably at an angle of about 23 degrees. The outer edges 145 have an edge width of about 1 mm at its widest point. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edges of bothouter tines 212 are chamfered so that both outer edges can easily be used to cut or separate food regardless of whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. - The
spoon bowl 112 has a substantiallyflat side edge 115, which allows for “scraping” food from of a container (e.g., a yogurt container) or a bowl. A conventional spoon typically has a rounded edge that is not particularly effective for scraping. As illustrated, theside edge 115 of thebowl 112 of thespoon 100 is substantially flat, thus providing an effective surface for scraping. In the illustrated embodiment, thebowl 112 has a substantially elongated five-sided shape with rounded corners. - The
telescoping spoon 100 and fork 200 are formed of a plastic material, such as a glass reinforced thermoplastic, that is suitable for food contact and is injection moldable. A particularly suitable reinforced thermoplastic for forming thespoon 100 andfork 200 is glass filled nylon. According to other embodiments, thetelescoping spoon 100 and fork 200 can be formed of a variety of food-safe plastics and potentially even metal. In addition to glass filled nylon, some suitable plastic materials include nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and co-polyester. Compared with unreinforced nylon, glass filled nylon has increased structural strength and stiffness. Suitable materials include those that exhibit high stiffness (so the utensils do not flex very much when being used, i.e. are not “flimsy”), but that can also afford some flex (for thelocking button - As described above, there is a
recess 154 in the bottom surface of thehandle 150 that is configured to receive thelocking button tool connector spoon 100 orfork 200 is in the fully collapsed mode. To assemble thespoon 100 orfork 200, thetool connector handle 150 and slid laterally along thesocket 158, with the outer side edges of thetail 116 between therails 152, toward the distal end of thehandle 150 until thelocking button opening 151 and returns to its relaxed state in theopening 151. It will be understood that thelocking button handle 150. Theopen end 153 of the handle 150 (as shown inFIGS. 7B and 8D ) can be designed with a rounded or curved end such that thetool connector open end 153 of thehandle 150 and the rounded orcurved end 153 automatically pushes down or actuates thelocking button locking button - It will be noted that the position of the
recess 154 in the bottom surface of thehandle 150 near the distal end of thehandle 150 allows thehandle 150 to extend over a portion of the tool in the collapsed mode, thereby allowing for a shorter overall length of thespoon 100 orfork 200 in the collapsed mode. It will be understood that the shorter length allows for more convenient storage and transport. As shown inFIG. 8C , the proximal end of the handle 150 (including the opening 151) extends over a portion of the utensil head. - When the
locking button opening 151, thespoon tool 110 orfork tool 210 is interlocked with thehandle 150 in the extended mode and fairly significant force is required to disengage thespoon tool 110 orfork tool 210 from thehandle 150 from this position. Thelocking button tool connector - As shown in the illustrated embodiments in the detailed view of
FIGS. 5B and 6B , the back (facing the proximal end of thetool 110, 210) of thelocking button tool connector locking button opening 151 or therecess 154 of thehandle 150. The less than 90° angle on the back of thelocking button tool locking button opening 151 to prevent accidental disengagement from the extended mode. It will be understood that the smaller the angle between the side of thelocking button tool connector locking button opening 151. - Various longitudinal cross-sectional views of a
spoon 100, as shown inFIGS. 8A-8D , help illustrate how the angle of the back of thelocking button 118 prevents accidental actuation. It will be understood that thelocking button 218 of afork 200 would function the same way and thus, even though the locking button is described with reference to thespoon 100, it will be understood that the description would apply to thelocking button 218 of thefork 200 as well. The angle on thelocking button locking button -
FIG. 8A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of aspoon 100 in the extended mode. As shown inFIG. 8A , thelocking button 118 is in a relaxed state within theopening 151 of thehandle 150. As described above, theopening 151 is surrounded by awell 155. As shown inFIG. 8A , the top surface of thelocking button 118 is below the top surface of thehandle 150 to prevent accidental actuation of thelocking button 118. It will be noted that themating face 157 on the handle 150 (that mates to the 80° button face) is angled as well to further hold thelocking button 118 in place. The angle of the mating face is preferably at least 60° and less than 90°. Themating face 157 andlocking button 118 are shown in more detail inFIG. 8B . - As shown in the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 8A-8D , the “dive board” of thelocking button 118 is positioned longitudinally on thetool connector 114. In alternative embodiments, the locking button can be connected on a side, so instead of pressing down on the button, the button would be pushed laterally to a side to actuate it. The longitudinal positioning, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, allows the material geometry to absorb all of the load. The illustrated locking button dive board naturally resists longitudinal forces, but is easily depressed for unlocking. - It will be understood that the
opening 151 andrecess 154 together with the locking button act as a hard stop, preventing thespoon tool 110 from being slid further. Therecess 154 prevents thespoon tool 110 from moving from the collapsed mode and theopening 151 prevents thespoon tool 110 from moving back in the opposite direction to disengage from thehandle 150. Therails 152 andtail 116 and the dovetail joint formed thereby prevent thehandle 150 andspoon tool 110 from being separated in the z-direction. The dovetail design is preferable relatively “open” so that it is easy to clean. - To disengage the
spoon tool 110 and thehandle 150 from the extended mode, the user pushes down on thelocking button spoon bowl 112 toward the distal end of thehandle 150 to collapse thespoon 100 or slides thespoon tool 110 away from thehandle 150 to disengage thespoon tool 110 from thehandle 150. Thespoon tool 110 and thehandle 150 can be separated when the user pushes down on thelocking button 118 and simply slides thespoon tool 110 and thehandle 150 away from one another in the lateral direction. If desired, the user can thoroughly clean thespoon tool 110 and thehandle 150 when separated. - In the fully collapsed mode, the
locking button 118 engages therecess 154 and snaps into therecess 154 and resumes its relaxed state within therecess 154.FIG. 8C shows thespoon 100 in the fully collapsed mode. - With enough force applied to the
locking button 118, thespoon tool connector 114 will move under thehandle 150 and theelongated tail 116 can slide along thesocket 158 between therails 152 until thelocking button 118 is once again in its relaxed state, either engaging therecess 154 in the fully collapsed mode or engaging theopening 151 in the fully extended mode. When thespoon tool 110 and thehandle 150 are positioned to slidably engage one another, as shown in the longitudinal cross-sectional view ofFIG. 8D , the curved or rounded endopen end 153 of the handle allows the user to simply insert thespoon tool 110 into theopen end 153 of thehandle 150 and the rounded orcurved end 153 automatically actuates thelocking button locking button - It will be understood that operation of the
fork tool 210 with respect to thehandle 150 can be performed the same way as the operation of thespoon tool 110 described above. It will also be noted that all parts of thespoon 100 and fork 200 are easily moldable with plastic injection molding in accordance with an embodiment. - Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be appreciated that the invention may be implemented in many other forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. In view of all of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the present embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/439,425 US10857661B2 (en) | 2018-06-15 | 2019-06-12 | Telescoping eating utensil |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862685672P | 2018-06-15 | 2018-06-15 | |
US16/439,425 US10857661B2 (en) | 2018-06-15 | 2019-06-12 | Telescoping eating utensil |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190381651A1 true US20190381651A1 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
US10857661B2 US10857661B2 (en) | 2020-12-08 |
Family
ID=68839138
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/439,425 Active US10857661B2 (en) | 2018-06-15 | 2019-06-12 | Telescoping eating utensil |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10857661B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10857661B2 (en) * | 2018-06-15 | 2020-12-08 | HumanGear, Inc. | Telescoping eating utensil |
US11503933B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2022-11-22 | HumanGear, Inc. | Eating utensil system |
US20230380615A1 (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2023-11-30 | Joelle Mertzel | Utensil for mounting on a container and folding for minimizing storage space of the container and utensil combination |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
TWM603318U (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2020-11-01 | 源民鋁業有限公司 | Environmentally friendly portable tableware |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4615120A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1986-10-07 | Continental Can Company, Inc. | Collapsible spoon |
US6055733A (en) * | 1999-05-03 | 2000-05-02 | Chen; Yih-Long | Extensible cutlery device |
US6374500B2 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2002-04-23 | World Kitchen, Inc. | Collapsible barbecue tools |
US20030024126A1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-02-06 | Te-Ching Liu | Snap-assembling structure of a grip for grill tools |
US20070251103A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-01 | Handi-Craft Company | Baby spoon |
US20090178284A1 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-07-16 | Marvin Lane | Telescoping eating utensil |
US20150257561A1 (en) * | 2014-03-11 | 2015-09-17 | HumanGear, Inc. | Eating utensil system |
US10518402B1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2019-12-31 | Michael K. Polen | Utensil set |
Family Cites Families (179)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US34069A (en) | 1862-01-07 | Improved combined knife, fork, and spoon | ||
US34098A (en) | 1862-01-07 | hardie | ||
US34712A (en) | 1862-03-18 | James h | ||
US32916A (en) | 1861-07-23 | Combined knife | ||
US398264A (en) | 1889-02-19 | Combined fork and spoon | ||
US9687A (en) * | 1853-04-26 | Improved towing apparatus for canal-boats | ||
US88370A (en) | 1869-03-30 | Improvement in combined knife and fork | ||
US46832A (en) | 1865-03-14 | thobpe | ||
US33703A (en) | 1861-11-12 | Improved construction of knives and forks | ||
US675475A (en) | 1900-10-08 | 1901-06-04 | Julia B Glover | Culinary mixing utensil. |
US671740A (en) | 1900-12-10 | 1901-04-09 | Fredrik Wattne | Combined tin-can opener and knife and fork. |
US812424A (en) | 1905-08-26 | 1906-02-13 | Charles Hellmuth | Combined knife, fork, can-opener, and saw. |
US849098A (en) | 1906-03-08 | 1907-04-02 | Charles G Aufrichtig | Combined fork, spoon, knife, and can-opener. |
US854745A (en) | 1906-03-15 | 1907-05-28 | John King | Combined fork and spoon. |
US870413A (en) | 1907-06-25 | 1907-11-05 | Wallace Russell Brown | Combined knife and fork. |
US972777A (en) | 1909-03-11 | 1910-10-11 | Peter N Staff | Table implement. |
US1053387A (en) | 1912-01-09 | 1913-02-18 | Harry Snyder | Combination-tableware. |
GB191422788A (en) | 1914-11-20 | 1915-09-02 | Arthur Edwin Symmonds | Improvements in and connected with Combination Forks, Spoons and Knives. |
US1229696A (en) | 1916-08-23 | 1917-06-12 | Koren Mfg Company | Combination knife and fork. |
US1277205A (en) | 1917-04-09 | 1918-08-27 | Catherine Evans | Combination fork and spoon. |
US1271679A (en) | 1918-01-17 | 1918-07-09 | Ralph E Duckett | Combined fork and spoon. |
US1348762A (en) | 1919-03-12 | 1920-08-03 | Suzuki Sosaku | Combination spoon and fork |
US1372325A (en) | 1919-04-09 | 1921-03-22 | Edward A Willemin | Folding knife-fork-and-spoon set |
US1337174A (en) | 1919-09-26 | 1920-04-13 | Edward S Whyte | Combined spoon and fork |
US1425750A (en) | 1920-12-20 | 1922-08-15 | James H Crawford | Combined knife and fork |
US1452337A (en) | 1921-11-16 | 1923-04-17 | Peter Dzmitrowicz | Camper's combination utensil |
US1699248A (en) | 1923-11-19 | 1929-01-15 | Charles F Pasal | Table utensil |
US1868289A (en) | 1930-05-22 | 1932-07-19 | Leidel William | Spoon |
US1984081A (en) | 1934-03-30 | 1934-12-11 | Ferdinand M Pisculli | Spoon |
US2010074A (en) | 1935-04-16 | 1935-08-06 | Fuerst Joseph | Food serving or handling implement |
US2109016A (en) | 1937-01-23 | 1938-02-22 | Ringer Henry | Camping implement |
US2251842A (en) | 1939-06-02 | 1941-08-05 | Fred C Hill | Corn sheller |
US2318129A (en) | 1941-06-02 | 1943-05-04 | Thomas D Torode | Combination knife, fork, and spoon |
US2470492A (en) | 1946-01-30 | 1949-05-17 | Albert W Jenkins | Picnic set |
US2439882A (en) | 1946-04-01 | 1948-04-20 | Raymond R Beddow | Knife, fork, and spoon set |
US2505122A (en) | 1947-05-26 | 1950-04-25 | Jr Conrad P Krieger | Training implement for infants |
US2542600A (en) | 1947-11-14 | 1951-02-20 | Vaccarezza Ismael Jose | Table service utensil |
US2610400A (en) | 1950-06-05 | 1952-09-16 | Mildred L Wendling | Feeding spoon |
US2752678A (en) | 1954-12-24 | 1956-07-03 | Arthur R Welch | Molded spoon construction |
US3014277A (en) | 1960-06-23 | 1961-12-26 | Carolyn S Geckler | Feeding spoon |
US3121951A (en) | 1960-12-12 | 1964-02-25 | Green Martin | Eating utensils |
US3138871A (en) | 1963-10-21 | 1964-06-30 | Oneida Ltd | Spaghetti fork and spoon |
US3596965A (en) | 1968-10-22 | 1971-08-03 | Vernon Co The | Multipurpose hand utensil |
US3586161A (en) | 1969-07-10 | 1971-06-22 | Sweetheart Plastics | Cutlery cluster |
US3630249A (en) | 1970-02-20 | 1971-12-28 | Elizabeth C Brunwin | Chopper construction |
US3771224A (en) | 1972-02-03 | 1973-11-13 | T Bono | Juvenile training knife and fork |
GB1337613A (en) | 1972-02-15 | 1973-11-14 | Porta Showers Ltd | Framework joint |
US3967376A (en) | 1974-02-05 | 1976-07-06 | Foley Donald E | Clean up/cut spoon |
US3991466A (en) | 1976-02-09 | 1976-11-16 | The Raymond Lee Organization, Inc. | Dual purpose spoon and oyster knife |
USD249926S (en) | 1977-01-14 | 1978-10-17 | Woon-Tong Wong | Combined knife, fork and spoon |
US4425711A (en) | 1979-06-29 | 1984-01-17 | Wood Geraldine E | Double-ended doubly-concaved baby spoon |
US4317284A (en) | 1980-03-21 | 1982-03-02 | Prindle William A | Flatware eating utensils |
DE3011772A1 (en) | 1980-03-27 | 1981-10-01 | Heinr. Böker GmbH & Co Baumwerk, 5650 Solingen | CUTLERY |
USD269060S (en) | 1980-09-05 | 1983-05-24 | Dart Industries Inc. | Horticultural tool or the like |
US4524512A (en) | 1983-04-25 | 1985-06-25 | O Tray Corporation | Nestable, stackable cutlery |
USD284442S (en) | 1983-09-06 | 1986-07-01 | Space Lab (H.K.) Enterprises Limited | Combined knife, fork, and spoon set |
US4625404A (en) | 1985-02-19 | 1986-12-02 | Matthew & Barbara Rocco | Cheese segmenter |
US4771541A (en) | 1987-07-13 | 1988-09-20 | Myron Bouchakian | Combination fork and knife |
US4835864A (en) | 1988-02-22 | 1989-06-06 | Tang Hua H | Combination fork/spoon utensil |
USD318600S (en) | 1988-05-10 | 1991-07-30 | Dart Industries Inc. | Combined knife, fork and spoon set |
US4984367A (en) | 1988-12-16 | 1991-01-15 | Joseph Albanese | Combination utensil |
USD318300S (en) | 1989-02-08 | 1991-07-16 | Irsa Reprographics | Mobile for display advertisement or the like |
US4995154A (en) | 1989-08-16 | 1991-02-26 | Coleman Outdoor Products, Inc. | Nesting flatware set |
USD342422S (en) | 1990-02-08 | 1993-12-21 | Sanford Harry W | Eating utensil |
US5251758A (en) * | 1991-07-15 | 1993-10-12 | Liblan & Co., Ltd. | Food container with grippable portion having sense of touch indicia |
USD325855S (en) | 1991-09-18 | 1992-05-05 | Rea Sr Mark A | Combination culinary utensil |
US5197623A (en) | 1992-09-18 | 1993-03-30 | Wang Paul S | Thermal snack jar |
USD362160S (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1995-09-12 | Arrow Plastic Manufacturing Co. | Interlocking utensil set |
USD347975S (en) | 1993-08-27 | 1994-06-21 | Zelco Industries, Inc. | Knife, fork and spoon set |
US5327650A (en) | 1993-10-14 | 1994-07-12 | Rojas Gilbert R | Knife, fork and spoon combination |
DE9316566U1 (en) | 1993-10-29 | 1994-01-27 | Ster N V De | Containers from parts of a disposable cutlery |
DE4417037C2 (en) | 1994-05-14 | 1998-12-03 | Susanne Backer | Method of making an eating tool |
CN2231889Y (en) | 1995-02-13 | 1996-07-31 | 赵义雄 | Combined tableware |
US5542181A (en) | 1995-07-31 | 1996-08-06 | Gaylord; Caroline J. | Interior cutting edge fork utensil |
US5845403A (en) | 1995-09-13 | 1998-12-08 | Nivin; Eli | Nestable dual-end eating utensil |
USD376514S (en) | 1996-04-08 | 1996-12-17 | Torkelson Torkel E | Four function eating utensil |
USD388664S (en) | 1996-12-09 | 1998-01-06 | Hubert Gagnon | Spork |
USD391123S (en) | 1997-02-19 | 1998-02-24 | Rey Clifford F | Combination eating utensil |
US6116450A (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 2000-09-12 | Huang; Shou Li | Cover structure with integral utensil means for canned and cupped food |
US5735050A (en) | 1997-04-14 | 1998-04-07 | Hsieh; Cheng-Yi | Spoon consisting of a bowl and an extendable handle |
USD396613S (en) | 1997-06-30 | 1998-08-04 | Dart Industries Inc. | Food lifter |
USD401481S (en) | 1997-11-25 | 1998-11-24 | Air Transat | Utensils |
US5940974A (en) | 1998-06-15 | 1999-08-24 | Lee; Ji Cheng | Collapsible spoon for canned goods |
US6453562B1 (en) | 1998-08-24 | 2002-09-24 | Nouri E. Hakim | Baby spoons and method of manufacture |
USD412813S (en) | 1998-10-13 | 1999-08-17 | Roskind Robert A | Spill resistant spoon |
USD414988S (en) | 1999-01-04 | 1999-10-12 | Santini Luis A | Foldable spoon-fork |
US6151999A (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2000-11-28 | Eklind Tool Company | Folding hand tool set with resilient grip |
CN2373000Y (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2000-04-12 | 马艳艳 | Multipurpose tableware |
US6145204A (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2000-11-14 | Cash; Diane M. | Eating implement |
US6463662B1 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2002-10-15 | Robert Coscia | Spoon and straw combination device |
US6751873B2 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2004-06-22 | Roberts Polypro, Inc. | Foldable eating utensil |
US20030110644A1 (en) | 2001-12-18 | 2003-06-19 | Miller Michael D. | Universal fork |
USD491419S1 (en) | 2003-05-02 | 2004-06-15 | World Kitchen (Ghc), Llc | Spoon |
US20050028386A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-10 | Hughes W. Scott | Kitchen utensil with head supporting member |
US20050066531A1 (en) | 2003-09-25 | 2005-03-31 | Donna Hougland | Transitional feeding utensil |
GB0322610D0 (en) | 2003-09-26 | 2003-10-29 | Royal College Of Art | Cutlery set assembly |
CN2673224Y (en) | 2004-01-16 | 2005-01-26 | 李清茂 | Dinnerware |
USD509708S1 (en) | 2004-06-18 | 2005-09-20 | Creative Bath Products, Inc. | Eating utensil assembly |
US7013568B2 (en) | 2004-06-18 | 2006-03-21 | Creative Bath Products, Inc. | Snap-together eating utensil assembly |
USD533034S1 (en) | 2004-08-11 | 2006-12-05 | Adina Wasserman | Eating utensil |
USD530986S1 (en) | 2004-09-07 | 2006-10-31 | Royal College Of Art | Cutlery set |
USD536221S1 (en) | 2004-10-06 | 2007-02-06 | Custom Cutlery, Inc. | Foldable combined spoon and fork |
JP2006247086A (en) | 2005-03-10 | 2006-09-21 | Shunpei Kataoka | Fork for eating and drinking |
US7816634B1 (en) | 2005-03-22 | 2010-10-19 | Pit Crew Barbeque, Llc | Barbeque assembly |
US20060248732A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-09 | Michael Straube | Spoon having a specially shaped bowl |
USD536222S1 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2007-02-06 | Dart Industries, Inc. | Knife, fork and spoons set |
USD530985S1 (en) | 2005-10-11 | 2006-10-31 | Evans Lyle K | Combined fork and spoon |
USD535857S1 (en) | 2005-12-22 | 2007-01-30 | Bristow Michael M | Combination spoon and fork utensil |
USD537302S1 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2007-02-27 | Globe Trade, Inc. | Set of folding culinary utensils |
CH696456A5 (en) | 2006-05-02 | 2007-06-29 | Fostag Holding Ag | Stackable cutlery. |
US20080000092A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2008-01-03 | Max Vanguard | Spifork |
US20090172949A1 (en) | 2006-07-15 | 2009-07-09 | Gabriele Pollard Watts | Spork |
US20080016698A1 (en) | 2006-07-21 | 2008-01-24 | Simpson Alfred N | Illuminated washable spoon |
CN200945058Y (en) | 2006-09-11 | 2007-09-12 | 周仲强 | Multifunction combined chopsticks |
US20080148575A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Jack Sing-Chiow Chan | Created spoon-fork and spoon-knife |
USD554951S1 (en) | 2007-01-25 | 2007-11-13 | Medport Llc | Foldable spoon |
US20080256807A1 (en) | 2007-04-18 | 2008-10-23 | Kimberly Maria Kirkup | Ergonomic training utensil |
USD575593S1 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2008-08-26 | Primus Ab | Combined foldable fork and spoon |
USD563737S1 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-03-11 | Oneida, Ltd. | Spoon |
USD587075S1 (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2009-02-24 | Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited | Spatula |
US20090205209A1 (en) | 2008-02-16 | 2009-08-20 | Cristian Bredee Tovar | Folding Spoon Apparatus and Method |
US20090293283A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Wen-Hsiung Hsu | Combined Soup Spoon And Dinner Knife |
USD604125S1 (en) | 2008-08-19 | 2009-11-17 | Chef'n Corporation | Kitchen utensil |
USD625153S1 (en) | 2008-09-25 | 2010-10-12 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Nested cutlery set |
US20100206885A1 (en) | 2009-02-19 | 2010-08-19 | Bowden James R | Eating Utensil |
US20100218382A1 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2010-09-02 | Peter Henry Scott | 5 in 1 Eating Utensil |
USD609060S1 (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2010-02-02 | Dart Industries Inc. | Combination fork, spoon and knife |
USD608602S1 (en) | 2009-06-01 | 2010-01-26 | James Davies | Snap together multi purpose utensil |
USD618070S1 (en) | 2009-06-29 | 2010-06-22 | Dart Industries Inc. | Spoon |
USD612692S1 (en) | 2009-08-11 | 2010-03-30 | Gabi Concepts Ltd. | Combination eating utensil |
US8323709B2 (en) | 2009-10-19 | 2012-12-04 | Anatoliy Omelchenko | Edible spoon for dissociating into consumable predetermined clumps in order to prevent dissociating into random granules that would make consumption more difficult |
CN102068177A (en) | 2009-11-23 | 2011-05-25 | 赵广山 | Fork spoon |
US8726525B2 (en) | 2010-01-13 | 2014-05-20 | Progressive International Corporation | Magnetic peeler set |
USD637309S1 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2011-05-03 | Youn Hoon Park | Beauty massager |
CN201691585U (en) | 2010-04-01 | 2011-01-05 | 尹承南 | Combined dishware |
USD633344S1 (en) | 2010-04-16 | 2011-03-01 | Light My Fire Sweden Ab | Spork |
EP2603117B1 (en) | 2010-08-12 | 2018-11-14 | GPCP IP Holdings LLC | Interlocking cutlery and related methods |
USD656799S1 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2012-04-03 | Coriolis | Cutlery set |
US20120297628A1 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2012-11-29 | Rayko Jamie Lynn | Utensils with integrated stand |
CN202234496U (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2012-05-30 | 杭州市余杭实验中学 | Combined tableware |
WO2013095407A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-06-27 | Gadsden Coffee Company, Inc. | Disposable stackable forks |
US20130152406A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2013-06-20 | Gadsden Coffee Company, Inc. | Disposable stackable forks |
USD686045S1 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2013-07-16 | Anna M. Stewart | Spoon spreader |
US8689453B2 (en) | 2012-05-24 | 2014-04-08 | Jacob Vogan | Cooking utensil |
USD676286S1 (en) | 2012-06-07 | 2013-02-19 | Mastrad, S.A. | Spoon |
USD673431S1 (en) | 2012-07-18 | 2013-01-01 | Michael Glavin | Eating utensil |
US20140026425A1 (en) | 2012-07-30 | 2014-01-30 | Tae Wan Kim | Nestable Utensils for Handling Food |
USD706586S1 (en) | 2012-10-23 | 2014-06-10 | Dkb Household Uk Limited | Salad server |
CN202874843U (en) | 2012-10-23 | 2013-04-17 | 广州铁路职业技术学院 | Combined type tableware |
AU351052S (en) | 2013-02-14 | 2013-10-02 | Chia Australia Pty Ltd | Lid with spoon |
USD690156S1 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2013-09-24 | Target Brands, Inc. | Eating utensil |
US9061429B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-06-23 | Bradshaw International, Inc. | Pumpkin carving spoon with nested knife |
US20150014329A1 (en) | 2013-07-09 | 2015-01-15 | Alexey Konopatsky | A Pair of Utensils Forming a Tong-like Structure |
US8635780B1 (en) | 2013-06-17 | 2014-01-28 | Abdulqader Habeeb Hussain Abul | Utensil attachments for portable knife assembly |
CN203424719U (en) | 2013-07-03 | 2014-02-12 | 洛阳理工学院 | Multifunctional spoon for children |
US9549626B2 (en) | 2013-12-04 | 2017-01-24 | Snap Out Solutions, LLC | Eating utensil assembly including support member and related methods |
USD756171S1 (en) | 2013-12-09 | 2016-05-17 | Samco Limited | Stackable disposable fork |
USD756172S1 (en) | 2013-12-09 | 2016-05-17 | Samco Limited | Stackable disposable spoon |
USD745339S1 (en) | 2013-12-18 | 2015-12-15 | Rpc Superfos A/S | Spoon |
USD730049S1 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2015-05-26 | HumanGear, Inc. | Utensil case |
USD722837S1 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2015-02-24 | HumanGear, Inc. | Spoon and fork utensil set |
US9434590B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2016-09-06 | HumanGear, Inc. | Utensil carrying case |
USD718093S1 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2014-11-25 | HumanGear, Inc. | Combination spoon and fork |
USD747159S1 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2016-01-12 | Martin Frost | Set of eating utensils |
USD746644S1 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2016-01-05 | Yong-Yue Cai | Combined set of fork and spoon with a knife |
USD752918S1 (en) | 2014-10-27 | 2016-04-05 | Chris J Katopis | Utensil with blade |
USD753447S1 (en) | 2014-12-15 | 2016-04-12 | Jeffrey K. Busboom | Interlocking utensil |
USD758808S1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-06-14 | Michael D. Gatewood | Foldable silverware set |
USD782254S1 (en) | 2015-04-10 | 2017-03-28 | Joseph Joseph Ltd. | Cutlery set |
USD825104S1 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2018-08-07 | L'Oréal USA Creative, Inc. | Facial film applicator |
USD794400S1 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2017-08-15 | Kenneth D. Young | Compac eating utensils with storage |
USD807127S1 (en) | 2016-08-02 | 2018-01-09 | Camille Almeida Levi | Combination flatware set |
USD816432S1 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2018-05-01 | Industro International Co., Ltd. | Tableware |
USD813616S1 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2018-03-27 | Siya, Inc. | Multiuse utensil |
USD812994S1 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2018-03-20 | Siya, Inc. | Multiuse utensil |
USD812995S1 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2018-03-20 | Siya, Inc. | Multiuse utensil |
USD828730S1 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2018-09-18 | Gsi Outdoors, Inc. | Collapsible eating utensil |
USD842662S1 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2019-03-12 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp. | Utensil |
US10857661B2 (en) * | 2018-06-15 | 2020-12-08 | HumanGear, Inc. | Telescoping eating utensil |
-
2019
- 2019-06-12 US US16/439,425 patent/US10857661B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4615120A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1986-10-07 | Continental Can Company, Inc. | Collapsible spoon |
US6055733A (en) * | 1999-05-03 | 2000-05-02 | Chen; Yih-Long | Extensible cutlery device |
US6374500B2 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2002-04-23 | World Kitchen, Inc. | Collapsible barbecue tools |
US20030024126A1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-02-06 | Te-Ching Liu | Snap-assembling structure of a grip for grill tools |
US20070251103A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-01 | Handi-Craft Company | Baby spoon |
US20090178284A1 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-07-16 | Marvin Lane | Telescoping eating utensil |
US20150257561A1 (en) * | 2014-03-11 | 2015-09-17 | HumanGear, Inc. | Eating utensil system |
US10518402B1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2019-12-31 | Michael K. Polen | Utensil set |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
US-9687 * |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11503933B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2022-11-22 | HumanGear, Inc. | Eating utensil system |
US10857661B2 (en) * | 2018-06-15 | 2020-12-08 | HumanGear, Inc. | Telescoping eating utensil |
US20230380615A1 (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2023-11-30 | Joelle Mertzel | Utensil for mounting on a container and folding for minimizing storage space of the container and utensil combination |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10857661B2 (en) | 2020-12-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11540654B2 (en) | Eating utensil system | |
US10857661B2 (en) | Telescoping eating utensil | |
US7805843B2 (en) | Eating utensil | |
US20070205619A1 (en) | Multi-purpose eating utensil | |
US20090178284A1 (en) | Telescoping eating utensil | |
US20090243317A1 (en) | Serving tongs | |
US20080224490A1 (en) | Eating Utensil | |
US20080201959A1 (en) | Eating utensil | |
US20140220200A1 (en) | Combined Utensil | |
CA3117186A1 (en) | Enclosable utensils | |
JP2007301312A (en) | Chopsticks with function of spoon | |
US20190208940A1 (en) | Elevated utensil | |
US20180153324A1 (en) | Tableware | |
US20130206622A1 (en) | Sleeve including a storage tray | |
KR200322251Y1 (en) | Multi spoon | |
US20180028006A1 (en) | Article manipulation apparatus | |
CN216364653U (en) | Tableware structure | |
KR200484348Y1 (en) | Versatile cooking utensils with sanitary properties and ease of use | |
JP2017144157A (en) | Meal spoon | |
CN201178932Y (en) | Key knife | |
JP2005058482A (en) | Simple eating utensil and assembly thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HUMANGEAR, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MIKSOVSKY, CHRISTOPHER A.;TAKAYAMA, STEVEN R.;KILPATRICK, KEVIN J.;REEL/FRAME:049459/0829 Effective date: 20190607 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |